Thailand Science Research and Innovation (TSRI) made its presence felt at the 20th Annual Meeting of the Science and Technology in Society Forum (STS Forum) 2023 in Tokyo, Japan, demonstrating its commitment to fostering international collaborations in science, research, and innovation.
The STS Forum, initiated by former science minister Koji Omi in 2004, serves as a global platform for researchers from both public and private organisations worldwide to establish and enhance international networks for science and technology cooperation. The event, held from October 1 to 3, was presided over by Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and drew over 1,500 participants from 120 countries.
Under the theme "Lights and Shadows of Science and Technology," the forum focused on three main topics: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Climate Change, and Human Resource Development.
Vice President of TSRI, Pongpan Kaewtatip, highlighted the significance of the 13th Funding Agencies President’s Meeting (FAPM), a special conference dedicated to discussions among global funders. This year's emphasis was on supporting human resource mobility to enhance research efficiency. TSRI also engaged in discussions with the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) during the 50th-anniversary celebration of ASEAN-Japan diplomatic relations. The focus of these talks was to establish a new cooperative framework for research funding and talent mobility, starting with the topic of Bio-Circular-Economy (BCG).
The event facilitated several bilateral meetings between international funding agencies and the Thai delegation. Notable discussions included talks with the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) about the potential for a co-hosted student exchange program, and conversations with the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) regarding organising the first-ever Science Diplomacy Workshop in the ASEAN region. The meeting with Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) from Germany resulted in the formulation of guidelines for future collaborative initiatives.
TSRI's commitment to nurturing talent was exemplified by the selection of two of its scholars, Dr. Panida Thongaram and Dr. Bhum Dhechartvanich, to participate in the Young Leaders Program 2023. This program provided a unique platform for young scientists to exchange experiences with Nobel Prize awardees across various fields, fostering a spirit of innovation and collaboration.
The participation of TSRI in STS Forum 2023 underscores Thailand's dedication to strengthening its position in the global scientific community and advancing science, research, and innovation on the international stage.